Identification of 18 flutter derivatives of bridge decks

The aerodynamic self-excited forces can be described in 18 flutter derivatives. Based on the existing identification theory and experimental system of 2-DOF sectional models, the General Least-Square Theory and the experimental system of bridge deck sections for identifying 18 flutter derivatives are developed. All 18 flutter derivatives of a streamlined box girder section are obtained from the free vibration time histories of motions with the General Least-Square Theory. The derivatives from 3-DOF experiment are compared with the results from CFD method. Furthermore, the estimated values based on the pseudo-steady formulation are verified with the experimental results. Experimental determination and study of all 18 derivatives will significantly advance the understanding of the physical mechanism of bridges to wind loading.